What technical challenges were faced in building Fire Pong?

Key challenges included reliably lighting the gas, designing an effective spark gap with readily available materials, ensuring sufficient gas flow through accumulators, and managing high voltage and current without noise interference.

How is the gas managed and regulated in Fire Pong?

The system uses a distribution board with regulators for both high-pressure propane supply and low-pressure butane for the 'small puffers'. Butane accumulators act as gas capacitors to provide rapid bursts of fuel for large flames.

What kind of electronics and software control Fire Pong?

A Raspberry Pi running Python controls the game, communicating with various nodes via a custom serial protocol over RS485 for improved noise immunity. It uses a robust power supply capable of handling significant current.

Are there safety considerations for playing or building Fire Pong?

Yes, safety is paramount. The project adheres to hackspace 'Rule Zero' (do not be on fire). This includes fireproof overalls, a 5-meter safety perimeter, emergency shut-off valves, and careful management of gas and high voltage.

How long did it take to build Fire Pong and what was the cost?

The project took approximately two to three months of intensive work, following a longer planning period. While grants from EMF and hackspace provided some funding, the cost was substantial, including ongoing expenses for gas refills.

What was the most surprising challenge encountered during development?

A significant surprise was the cooling of the LPG (propane) within the tank due to rapid evaporation, causing pressure drops. This was mitigated by submerging the tanks in water during operation.

Key Moments

Fire Pong Details - Computerphile

Computerphile

Education4 min read21 min video

Sep 9, 2016|38,710 views|715|39

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Fire Pong is a game combining classic Pong with fire effects, built by hackers with safety and engineering challenges.

Key Insights

Fire Pong merges the video game 'Pong' with real fire effects, creating a visually striking and visceral experience.

The project involved significant engineering challenges, including gas ignition, spark gap design, and plumbing.

Safety was a paramount concern, with fireproof gear and adherence to hackspace 'Rule Zero' (don't be on fire).

Custom electronics, including a Raspberry Pi and RS485 communication, were used to control the gas flow and ignition.

Gas pressure management and cooling of propane tanks were critical for consistent flame generation.

The game's design evolved to include a 'victory swipe' and haptic feedback on controllers to enhance player engagement.

ORIGINS AND CONCEPTUALIZATION

The idea for Fire Pong emerged from experiences at Burning Man, inspiring a desire to create fire art. The previous EMF camp project, BarBot (a cocktail-making robot), paved the way for a larger, collaborative endeavor. Discussions with an EMF organizer revealed an interest in fire-based projects, leading to the suggestion of 'Pong' as a game mechanic. This concept quickly evolved into Fire Pong, combining simple gameplay with impressive fire effects.

ENGINEERING AND IGNITION CHALLENGES

Building Fire Pong presented numerous technical hurdles. Initial experimentation involved various gas ignition methods, eventually settling on high-voltage generators producing thousands of volts for robust sparking. Designing spark gaps required careful consideration of insulators and electrode shape; sharp points were found to be more effective for generating reliable sparks over the gas nozzles. The project also involved extensive plumbing with a mix of left-hand and right-hand threads, requiring custom adapters and a good understanding of gas fittings.

GAS DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM

The gas system is centrally managed through a distribution board, allowing for independent pressure control of large and small gas 'puffers'. Lower pressure is used for the smaller puffers for a more toroidal flame shape, while higher pressure is used for larger bursts. Butane cylinders act as 'gas capacitors' or accumulators, enabling rapid gas flow to the burners for significant flame effects. Solenoid valves control the gas release, and a dedicated regulator powers a pilot light for ambient lighting and a constant flame, adding to the atmosphere.

ELECTRONICS AND SOFTWARE INTEGRATION

A Raspberry Pi runs the game logic using Python, communicating with various nodes via a custom serial protocol. RS485 converters are employed to ensure signal integrity against electrical noise generated by high-voltage components and high currents. The system uses a robust power supply and carefully selected connectors to handle significant power demands. Arcade-style buttons on a control box are used for game interaction, including restarting the game and selecting modes.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Safety was paramount, with participants advised to wear fireproof overalls, though they were ultimately not needed. The project adhered to 'Rule Zero' of hackspaces: 'Do not be on fire,' emphasizing personal and communal safety. A master shut-off valve was incorporated for quick emergency shutdowns, although gas remaining in accumulators posed a residual risk. Safety perimeters with fencing were established to maintain a safe distance from the flames, crucial due to the visceral sound and visual impact of the fire effects.

GAMEPLAY FEATURES AND DEVELOPMENT

The gameplay of Fire Pong was not the initial focus but evolved into a functional representation of classic Pong. A 'victory swipe' feature was added to encourage players and prolong engagement by creating more fire upon winning. The controllers, or 'bats,' incorporate haptic feedback to confirm successful swings, a subtle but important cue for players. The game is designed to be played at night, maximizing the visual impact of the fire effects against the darkness.

MAINTENANCE AND LOGISTICS

The project involved significant costs, partly offset by grants. Refilling propane cylinders was a recurring expense, with one cylinder lasting approximately four hours of operation. The physical structure is designed for stability, using metal stud sections and adjustable feet for transportability. Setup for an event includes assembling the structure, flushing the gas lines to remove air, and establishing safety perimeters, taking about an hour before the fire can be safely lit. Cooling of propane tanks due to rapid gas expansion and liquid boiling was a notable challenge, requiring submersion in water to maintain optimal pressure.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND INFORMATION SHARING

While no definite future events were confirmed, the creators expressed enthusiasm for running Fire Pong again, given its popularity. They have provided extensive details about the build, including parts lists, costs, and sourcing information, on the 'Notting Hack Wiki.' This open sharing of information within the hackspace community facilitates replication and further innovation, while always emphasizing the critical importance of safety and the 'Rule Zero' principle.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Concepts

Fire Pong Safety and Operational Guidelines

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Ensure all participants within the boundary wear fireproof overalls.

Utilize sharp points for spark gap electrodes to improve spark generation.

Set low pressure for puffer flames to achieve a toroidal flame shape and smoke rings.

Use RS485 for communication to mitigate noise interference.

Implement a checksum in the serial protocol to detect corrupted data packets.

Ensure all external components are waterproof using IP65 connectors.

Allow operators time to brief players and use paddle haptic feedback.

Submerge LPG tanks in water to prevent excessive cooling and maintain pressure.

Adhere to a 5-meter distance between fire elements and the public.

Establish a single master shut-off valve for quick emergency gas cutoff.

Avoid This

Do not rely on standard barbecue lighters for igniting gas.

Avoid using round-headed screws for spark gap electrodes, as they wear out high-voltage generators.

Do not run flames at high pressure, which leads to turbulent, less visually appealing flow.

Do not assume standard pipe measurements for BSP fittings.

Avoid leaving valves open without acknowledgment in the communication protocol.

Do not underestimate the power draw; ensure adequate amperage is available.

Do not attempt gas fittings without understanding left-handed and right-handed threads.

Do not operate without a comprehensive safety perimeter (fencing) in public areas.

Do not encourage players to lose, but incentivize winning with features like the victory swipe.

Common Questions

Fire Pong is a game inspired by the art installations at Burning Man. It's a fusion of a classic Pong game with actual fire elements, where players interact by batting flames.

Topics

Fire Art Game Engineering Hackspace Projects Gas Systems Electronics Safety Protocols Custom Fabrication EMF Camp Performance Art Engineering Challenges

Mentioned in this video

Software & Apps

BarBot

A collaborative cocktail-making robot project previously built by the team for the EMF camp.

Arduino Pro Mini

Microcontrollers used in the development of Fire Pong, some of which experienced issues.

RS485

A communication protocol used for its differential signaling, making it more immune to noise from high voltage and current.

Noering Hack Wiki

A resource where detailed information about the Fire Pong project, including parts lists and costs, is available.

Concepts

Rule Zero

A hackspace principle emphasizing safety ('do not be on fire') and responsibility, which inspired the name of the game.

BSP

British Standard Pipe, a thread standard used for gas fittings, which can be confusing as 'quarter inch' does not relate to a physical measurement on modern fittings.

Organizations

EMF Camp

A festival where Fire Pong was featured and which provided grants for the project.